Getting a comfortable night’s sleep in a hot bedroom can be an uphill battle. If you live in an area that receives warm weather year-round or is prone to swelteringly hot summers, staying comfy and cool throughout the night should be a priority. Fortunately, turning your bedroom into a heat-resistant safe haven doesn’t have to be challenging or cost-effective. So, if getting a restful night’s sleep amidst less-than-agreeable weather conditions strikes you as an intriguing prospect, consider putting the following décor ideas to good use.
A Dependable Ceiling Fan
A dependable ceiling fan can be an invaluable ally in the battle against bedroom heat. Ceiling fans can effectively circulate cool air throughout your home, thereby taking some of the burden off your air conditioning and reducing energy costs. Throughout the summer season, it’s recommended that ceiling fans be set to rotate counterclockwise, as this has the effect of making air feel cooler than it actually is. A bedroom-based ceiling fan is an absolute must for anyone living in an area with consistently hot weather, so if your sleeping space is currently fan-less, hop online and start exploring your options.
Sun-Blocking Window Dressings
Sunlight can add a surprising amount of heat to your sleeping space, particularly during the summer months. To nip this problem in the bud, invest in window dressings that are designed to block out sunlight. Sun-blocking curtains, for example, can dramatically minimize the amount of sunlight that finds its way into your bedroom. These curtains come in a variety of styles and generally don’t cost much more than regular curtains. Sun-blocking curtains can also be a boon to anyone who likes to keep their sleeping space as dark as possible.
If you don’t want to spring for new curtains, a good blackout screen can prove every bit as effective. These screens shouldn’t run you more than $20, and they’re easy to attach and remove. Still, while most blackout screens will provide you with years of reliable use, they generally can’t be reattached after being removed. As such, if you’re looking for a more permanent solution, sun-blocking curtains may be the way to go. Sure, they cost a little more up-front, but in the long run, they should prove to be a better value.
Energy-Efficient Windows
As the name suggests, energy-efficient windows can prove useful in reducing energy costs. So, if you live in an area where extreme temperatures are the norm, window upgrades are certainly worth considering. Energy-efficient windows contain multiple panes, which prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from finding its way inside. (Conversely, in the wintertime, these windows help keep warm air in and cool air out.) Not only can energy-efficient windows keep your sleeping space nice and cool, they can give your AC and heating a break.
Since energy-efficient windows tend to be pricier than standard windows, you may be hesitant to make the switch. While wanting to save money whenever possible is understandable, spending a little in the short term stands to save you a considerable sum in energy costs down the line. For maximum savings, consider replacing all of your home’s windows with energy-efficient ones.
Heat-Resistant Bedding
Your choice of bedding can have a significant impact on the quality of your sleep. Unsurprisingly, bedding that’s designed to retain heat generally isn’t conducive to comfortable summertime sleeping. With this in mind, invest in sheets and comforters that are composed of breathable materials. For example, natural fibers like cotton and linen work well for hot weather sleeping.
In addition to heat-resistant bedding, look for nightwear that’s comfy and breathable. Pajamas and loungewear that are made from lightweight cotton and heat-wicking materials work particularly well for hot summer nights.
Few things are more uncomfortable than sleeping in a space plagued by excessive heat. Anyone who hails from an area that’s prone to blisteringly hot temperatures is likely to have encountered issues with bedroom heat at some point. Since the quality of one’s sleep has a direct impact on their physical health, mental well-being and overall ability to function, it’s in your best interest to deal with this problem sooner rather than later. If a comfortably cool bedroom is what you’re after, take care to heed the décor tips discussed above.
